Poem Sunday: Longfellow

Loss and Gain

When I compare
What I have lost with what I have gained,
What I have missed with what attained,
Little room do I find for pride.

I am aware
How many days have been idly spent;
How like an arrow the good intent
Has fallen or been turned aside.

But who shall dare
To measure gain and loss in this wise?
Defeat may be victory in disguise;
The lowest ebb is the turn of the tide.

--Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Not original with me. The idea of Poem Sunday came from a friend. (Thanks, A.W.) But it's a good thing. Hope it will help me revisit some favorites.